KnowBe4 vs Qualys: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between KnowBe4 and Qualys comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
KnowBe4
Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • Reduces human and AI agent cybersecurity risk through comprehensive training.
- • Provides advanced cloud email security to prevent phishing and malware attacks.
Qualys
Cloud security and compliance platform
Best for you if:
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Qualys is a cloud security and compliance platform for enterprises
- • It provides vulnerability management, compliance monitoring, and web app security
| At a Glance |  KnowBe4 |  Qualys |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $199/year per assetVMDR |
Best For | Security | Vulnerability Scanning |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.1/5 |
Choose KnowBe4 or Qualys?
Choose KnowBe4 if
Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.
- Reduces 'Phish-prone' percentage significantly.
- Integrates compliance and security training into one platform.
- Offers AI-powered defense agents for real-time risk detection and mitigation.
- Your work is security-shaped, not vulnerability scanning-shaped
Choose Qualys if
Cloud security and compliance platform
- Enterprise vulnerability management
- Good scanning
- Cloud-based
- Your work is vulnerability scanning-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | KnowBe4 | Qualys |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 2,471 reviews | ★4.1/5 90 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityLearning & Training | Vulnerability ScanningCompliance Management |
In-Depth Analysis
KnowBe4
Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.
Strengths
- +Reduces 'Phish-prone' percentage significantly.
- +Integrates compliance and security training into one platform.
- +Offers AI-powered defense agents for real-time risk detection and mitigation.
- +Provides a comprehensive toolkit for assessing and improving an organization's security posture.
Weaknesses
- -Pricing details are not publicly available, requiring a demo request.
- -Requires active participation from employees for training effectiveness.
- -Implementation and customization may require dedicated IT resources.
Key features
Qualys
Cloud security and compliance platform
Strengths
- +Enterprise vulnerability management
- +Good scanning
- +Cloud-based
- +Comprehensive
- +Industry established
Weaknesses
- -Very expensive
- -Complex platform
- -Learning curve
- -Per-asset pricing
- -UI dated
Key features
Pricing: KnowBe4 vs Qualys
| Plan | KnowBe4 | Qualys |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Contact us Silver | $199 year per asset VMDR |
| Tier 2 | Contact us Gold | $1995 year for 25 apps Web App Scanning |
| Tier 3 | Contact us Platinum | Custom Enterprise TruRisk |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Diamond | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on KnowBe4 pricing and Qualys pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Qualys
Want the highest-rated option?
KnowBe4: 4.6/5 (2,471 reviews). Qualys: 4.1/5 (90 reviews).
Go with: KnowBe4
Value user reviews?
KnowBe4: 2,471 reviews (4.6/5). Qualys: 90 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: KnowBe4
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
KnowBe4 is a security tool. Qualys is in vulnerability scanning. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
KnowBe4 is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Qualys
- Our pick for this comparison
KnowBe4
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5
- Larger review base (2,471 reviews)
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Qualys is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KnowBe4 or Qualys better?
Qualys is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are KnowBe4 and Qualys used for?
KnowBe4: Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.. Qualys: Cloud security and compliance platform.
What does KnowBe4 cost vs Qualys?
KnowBe4 is a paid tool. Qualys is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.